Using a soft focus filter makes for flattering portraits and dream-like effects, but that comes at a cost. For about $6 you can make your own that offers the same benefits with a cool, unique look.

Through a contest, DIY Photography learned of this fun project by photographer Nick Cool. He took a stainless steel small-hole sink filter and an inexpensive camera filter that fit his lens' thread size and created a unique soft focus filter on the cheap. The project involved drilling a bunch of strategically-placed holes and fitting the sink filter into the lens ring. The filter resulted in photos with a soft look almost reminiscent of a painting. If you want to take some unique images and have a couple of hours on your hands, check out the full details of the project over at DIY Photography.